Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association Update
Explore, Grow & Thrive – Take a breath, and grow!
As October rolls on, the HBFA team is in full swing, gearing up for our 125th anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 2nd. In addition to the anniversary festivities, preparations for our annual Fishing competition are sailing along just as smoothly. Boats are already lining up, and we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the weather plays nice for the event! We’re thrilled with the steady flow of sponsorships and early registrations, and it’s been fantastic to see so much excitement.
While we’re looking forward to these exciting events, we’re also deeply advocating some critical industry challenges. One of the most pressing issues right now as you know is water, particularly as it relates to the TANK plan and water allocation across our region. We’ve been working tirelessly to communicate essential water information to growers, so be sure to review the latest updates below. Additionally, we’re closely involved in shaping the Future Development Strategy (FDS), ensuring that our industry’s needs and concerns are front and center in these plans.
From my perspective, having seen firsthand how these issues directly impact the livelihoods of our growers, there’s no time to lose in addressing water security, resource management, and sustainability. That’s why the council is also asking for your feedback on the Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan, and how we manage resources moving forward see summary below. The next opportunity for you to provide input on the plan will be at the consultation stage, anticipated in April 2025.
We’re collaborating closely with partners like HortNZ, our office buddies at NZAPI:), and many other product groups, key stakeholders to tackle these challenges head-on. Together, we’re making sure our growers have a strong voice in these discussions and are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of our changing industry. Our shared goal is to ensure a prosperous future for growers, both in the immediate term and for years to come.
Applications to replace TANK water permits that expire in May 2025 – Provided by Charlotte Drury
Anyone whose water permit expires in May next year (2025) needs to make sure you get replacement applications into the regional council by Friday 29 November 2024. HortNZ has spoken to the regional councils consents team and they have confirmed that as part of those applications, they will not require an assessment of the volume applied for against the definition of actual and reasonable water use. This is because the definition may change as a result of the TANK mediation that is still going on. The council said that when you lodge your replacement application they will calculate your reasonable use (using Irricalc) and also your actual use (based on the water meter data HBRC holds) and provide that information to you.
Further information for water permits currently being processed by HBRC – Provided by Charlotte Drury
The regional council are not asking for further information by 1 September 2024 any longer. They will provide an update in early December about whether and/or when you need to provide it. You do not need to do anything in the meantime. If you have engaged a consultant to help you prepare a response to the further information request, and that work has been completed, then you should still send that into the regional council but if you were thinking about engaging a consultant to help you, you may want to hold off until December as there could be a change in what information the council asks for.
Waste Management and Minimization Plan 2025-2031 review
The Joint Waste Management and Minimization Plan for Hastings District and Napier City Councils is up for review. Having a waste plan helps us prioritize our goals and activities. By law, it must be updated every six years.
Instead of writing a plan and then seeking public feedback through consultation, we want the community to help shape the plan from the start. This will help us create a plan that is in line with what the community wants to see happen here in Heretaunga Hastings and Ahuriri Napier.
To give us your ideas and feedback, go to myvoicemychoice.co.nz by 30 June.
Video link: https://youtu.be/OOF1YjYDVHU
HAG (Horticulture Advisory Group) Innovation Lab & Hackathon event
On Friday, the HAG group, in collaboration with its esteemed partners NZAPI, HBFA, The Brave Venture, and Workplace Wellness, successfully hosted the Innovation Lab & Hackathon event. This dynamic gathering brought together a diverse group of growers, students, and industry professionals, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration and innovation aimed at addressing the pressing challenges facing our industry.
A special thanks to our sponsors, Galaxy Group with their picking platform and VSS (Vertical Spraying Solutions), for showcasing their cutting-edge equipment, providing valuable insight into the latest technological advancements driving efficiency and sustainability in horticulture. It was inspiring to see these new innovations, offering participants a hands-on look at how technology is transforming the future of our industry. We’d also like to extend our gratitude to EIT for the incredible students who brought their enthusiasm, creativity, and energy to the event—you truly helped make the day a success! Thank you Dave and Jen from The Brave Venture for running the days program you did amazing job for all involved. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated local Tukituki MP, Catherine Wedd. Her presence and her words, delivered with conviction and genuine empathy. It is always a pleasure and a privilege to have her join us, we appreciate her continued commitment to our community and support in addressing the issues that matter most to us.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, exchanged innovative ideas, and collaborated in teams to develop practical solutions to key industry challenges. By the end of the day, both growers and students had the opportunity to pitch their inventive and forward-thinking solutions to the wider group, highlighting the dedication, creativity, and teamwork that flourished during the Hackathon.
We’re excited to provide a detailed update in next month’s newsletter, where we’ll dive deeper into the innovative concepts and strategies that emerged from this exciting initiative. Stay tuned for more insights into the groundbreaking solutions that could reshape the future of our industry.
The feedback was great!
“It was a great day, would love to see more of that. Connecting with young students who are passionate about their interests and have a lot of skills was really great! And they had good ideas. Also the facilitators were really good, well done to them.”
HBFA Protect Foster and Promote dashboard below shows the number of projects are we across:
Reach out for support:
If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact me, Callum Ross, at HBFA, or directly connect with Wanda Douglas at 021 1700 506 or wandspsychology@gmail.com. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and we’re here to support each other.
Grower notice: WANTED Hydralada removable picking frame. Please contact Robert Best 0272310222 or 06 8367983.
Enjoy the long weekend,
Warm regards,
Callum Ross
Chief Executive Officer & Chairman HAG (Horticulture Advisory Group)
